Rome Statute 20 / Watch these UK law students on the importance of the ICC

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute, Human Rights Watch asked students at the University of Nottingham School of Law about the importance of the ICC in advancing access to justice for victims of international crimes.

Students spoke about the deterrence effect of the court, as prosecution of armed groups and rebels for war crimes and crimes against humanity shows that “the ICC is watching and they will investigate”.

Others noted the role the Court has in helping victims of international crimes, with the ICC giving them a chance to “participate in seeking justice”.

Describing the ICC as a beacon of hope for the advancement of international justice, students drew on the shrinking space for impunity in today's world thanks to the ICC as a “massive step forward”.